From surprise to chance: Isabela Puccinelli eyes Brazil U20 spot | OneFootball

Isabela Puccinelli is experiencing another remarkable chapter wearing the Brazil Under-20 national team jersey and, this time, in an unexpected way. Called up on the eve of the first friendly against the United States, when Brazil was beaten 2-0 last Saturday (11), the player went through a whirlwind of emotions upon receiving the news. The new opportunity came after changes to the senior Brazil squad: forward Evelin was called up by coach Arthur Elias to replace Jheniffer for the FIFA Series, opening up a spot for Puccinelli to join the Under-20 team.

The surprise became motivation to fight for a place in the group preparing for the World Cup in the category.

“It was a huge surprise. I woke up on the day of my college game already in game mode, and they called me saying I was coming to the national team. I felt immense gratitude,” recalls Puccinelli, who plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team.

The forward from Paraná had already been monitored by the coaching staff. Her first call-up came in August 2024, during the Under-17 team’s preparation for the World Cup. Months later, she wore the Yellow Jersey again in friendlies against Argentina and Paraguay in November 2025. Now, at 18, she sees this new phase as a chance to reaffirm herself within the group.

Isabela Puccinelli during training with the Under-17 national team in August 2024, in Bragança PaulistaCredits: Mauro Horita/Staff Images/CBF

“My expectation is always to win, score goals, and I want to go to the World Cup. I want to help the team, make the most of every moment, and take these lessons with me for life.”

Development in the United States

Having lived in the United States for two years, Puccinelli plays for the Arizona State Sun Devils college team, balancing football with her Sports Business studies at university. Her experience in the country has been key to her development on the field.

“It’s a much more physical, more intense game. I already knew a bit about that, so it was easier to understand what to expect.”

Isabela Puccinelli in Brazil national team training at the Kansas City Current training centerCredits: Fabio Souza/CBF

Even with her academic focus, she remains committed to her football plans. The forward intends to finish university, but her dream is to pursue a professional football career and, above all, continue representing Brazil. Amid the competition for a place at the World Cup, Puccinelli stays grounded and emphasizes what it means to wear the national team shirt.

“It’s a privilege to represent my country and the people who support me. I’m very grateful to God for everything He has done in my life.”

Now part of the group set to face the United States, Puccinelli sees the training sessions and the upcoming friendly as an important opportunity to show her potential and earn more space in the team.

“It’s going to be a very physical, very demanding match. But if we adjust the details and play with the goal in mind, we can have a great game.”

The second meeting between Brazil and the United States takes place on Wednesday (15) at Riverside Stadium in Kansas at 4 p.m. (Brasília time) and is part of the team’s preparation for the Under-20 World Cup.

This article was translated into English by Artificial Intelligence. You can read the original version in 🇧🇷 here.